CAMPAIGNERS have demanded HSBC reverse its decision to stop processing standing orders to Palestinian aid group Interpal.

A report by Middle East Eye revealed today that the bank will stop payments to Interpal — one of Britain’s largest groups delivering aid to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and in refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan — from May 17.

HSBC, one of the biggest banks in the world, did not give any specific reason for the decision.

Interpal told the Morning Star that the move will have a big impact on its aid work.

“This step will, unfortunately, divert essential time and resources away from our focus on aid work to Palestinians in urgent need amidst a global pandemic, the month of Ramadan and an existing healthcare crisis in the region,” a spokesperson from the charity said.

The move follows a relentless campaign against Interpal by Israeli lobby groups that have sought to disrupt its ability to raise funds and strip it of its charitable status.

One group, UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), has accused the charity of being a “terror” organisation with links to Hamas, which Interpal strongly denies.

Such accusations are based on the US Treasury’s designation of Interpal as a terrorist organisation in 2003. However, three investigations by the Charity Commission prompted by lobbyists have exonerated the group each time.

Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) director Ben Jamal told the Morning Star: “Interpal has been the target, as have many solidarity groups, of illegitimate smears and attacks by pro-Israel groups in the UK.

“What’s more, this decision during Ramadan — when Interpal would be looking to process a larger volume of donations which are desperately needed to support its humanitarian work in Palestine — is particularly grotesque.

“HSBC must act immediately to reverse this decision.”